The second week began with a new approach. Magnus stood before me, his sword sheathed, arms crossed.
"Today, we fight with intent," he said. "Not just technique, not just ability, but purpose. What drives you, Nightingale? What makes you fight?"
The question caught me off guard. "I fight to protect," I answered after a moment. "To become stronger so I can safeguard those I care about."
Magnus shook his head. "That's a noble sentiment, but it's not enough. During the Crown Challenge, you weren't fighting to protect—you were fighting to win, to prove yourself, to surpass others who thought themselves better than you. There was fire in your soul then. I need to see that fire now."
His words struck a chord. He was right. In the Challenge, my motivation had been different—more primal, more selfish perhaps, but also more powerful.
"So what do you suggest?" I asked.
